Topics: Conditions and Diseases : Deafness

Deafness is partial or total hearing loss. This condition can happen before birth or as children get older. There can be a sudden loss or hearing can get worse over time. Sometimes only one ear is affected; sometimes hearing gets better and worse. There are many causes of hearing problems. Ear infections can cause fluid in the ears that blocks sound. High fever from mumps or chicken pox can hurt the part of the brain that processes sounds. Loud noise can harm cells or nerves in the inner ear.